IACHR grants precautionary measures to two human rights defenders in Colombia

November 18, 2025

Washington, DC—On November 16, 2025, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 80/2025, granting precautionary measures to protect Andrés Felipe Hio Paniagua and Didier Alexander Villegas Soto, after determining that they face a situation of extreme gravity and urgency as their rights to life and personal integrity are at risk of irreparable harm in Colombia.

According to the request, the beneficiaries are missionaries belonging to the Ad Gentes Brotherhood and the International Defense Corporation (CORPAZ). They are at risk due to their work as human rights defenders in territories affected by the presence of criminal groups and because of their pastoral activities as bishops.

The beneficiaries have reportedly received explicit death threats, including messages containing personal and location-specific information; repeated threatening phone calls; the repeated distribution of intimidating pamphlets accompanied by what appear to be bloodstains and bullet casings; messages and warnings using explicit violent language; as well as acts of surveillance and interception in public spaces. The request further alleges that State authorities have failed to respond to multiple requests for protection measures.

The State reported that it is undertaking the necessary actions to address the identified risk factors and to strengthen existing prevention and protection mechanisms through the appropriate institutions. It noted that it has handled each report and the alleged risk events with due diligence and that it has made progress on the corresponding risk assessments, which are ongoing.

After analyzing the factual and legal arguments, the IACHR observed that the ongoing nature and seriousness of the incidents affecting the beneficiaries reveal the continued presence of non-State actors implementing methods to prevent the beneficiaries from carrying out their work defending human rights, while also obstructing their pastoral and religious activities.

Although the State reported that the beneficiaries are currently subject to security measures implemented by the UNP and the National Police Force, these arrangements are provisional measures resulting from a court order. These security measures have allegedly proven ineffective, as they have restricted the beneficiaries’ movements and hindered their ability to go about their work in the area.

Given these circumstances, the IACHR found that Andrés Felipe Hio Paniagua and Didier Alexander Villegas Soto are in a situation of extreme gravity and urgency, facing a risk of irreparable harm to their rights. Consequently, in accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR requested that Colombia:

1. adopt the necessary measures to protect the rights to life and personal integrity of Andrés Felipe Hio Paniagua and Didier Alexander Villegas Soto;
2. take the necessary measures to ensure that the beneficiary can continue their pastoral and human rights work without being subjected to threats, harassment, or violence;
3. consult with the beneficiaries and their representatives on any measures to be taken; and
4. report on any actions taken to investigate the alleged events that gave rise to these precautionary measures, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The granting of these precautionary measures and their implementation by the State of Colombia do not constitute a decision on any petitions that may eventually be submitted to the inter-American system concerning alleged violations of the rights protected under the applicable instruments.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 233/25

11:25 AM